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Where to get your flu shot

You can receive your flu vaccination through your GP or at participating pharmacies.

The 2026 influenza vaccine is already available in Queensland and is expected to roll out across the rest of Australia in April.

For further details, refer to the National Immunisation Program fact sheet, or speak with your GP if you have any questions or concerns about vaccination.

Why early vaccination matters this year

Health experts are encouraging older Australians to get vaccinated as soon as possible, following the early spread of a fast-moving flu strain ahead of the usual season.

A new H3N2 strain, nicknamed “Super-K”, is already circulating across the country, raising concern among public health authorities. Reports indicate experts are uneasy about the 2026 flu season, as this strain began spreading during summer while vaccination rates remain lower than ideal.

For older Australians, the risk is particularly significant. People aged 65 and over account for nearly half of flu-related hospital admissions, and the majority of deaths occur within this age group.

As we age, the immune system becomes less responsive, which means standard flu vaccines may not offer the same level of protection. For this reason, enhanced and high-dose vaccines are recommended for older adults, as they provide stronger defence—particularly against H3N2 strains, which tend to impact this group more severely.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends receiving the flu vaccine each year as soon as it becomes available—generally from April onward. Even if you were vaccinated late in 2025, it’s still important to receive the updated 2026 vaccine.

Other vaccines to consider

Shingles protection

If you’ve had chickenpox at any stage in your life, you may be at risk of developing shingles later on. This condition occurs when the varicella-zoster virus—responsible for chickenpox—reactivates, sometimes decades later.

Shingles can be extremely painful, but vaccination can significantly reduce your risk. A free two-dose Shingrix vaccine is available for Australians aged 65 and over, as well as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and above.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is still present in the community, so it’s important to stay up to date with your vaccinations and booster doses. Speak with your GP about what’s recommended for you.

A final word on timing

Annual flu vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent serious illness and complications. Australians aged 65 and over are eligible for a government-funded enhanced vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.

The emergence of the Super-K strain is another strong reason not to delay. It has appeared earlier than usual and spread more rapidly than typical flu variants. While some mutations may reduce how well vaccines prevent infection, they still play a critical role in reducing the severity of illness.

With cases already rising, getting vaccinated early helps ensure you’re protected before the peak of the flu season arrives.